After spotting the menu outside, we decided to stop in — and I’m glad we did. The restaurant is tucked away in a charming brick-vaulted basement that gives it a warm, cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
We ordered a nice selection of traditional dishes: meat and egg pirozhki, borsch, pelmeni, and a hearty plate of sautéed beef with buckwheat and peas. The borsch was excellent — rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The pirozhki were freshly baked, filled generously, and the pastry had just the right texture. They felt just what you get at your Russian grandma’s house. The pelmeni, at first glance, did not look homemade, but they definitely tasted like it — tender dumplings with reasonably thin dough and authentic flavor, which is hard to come by in restaurants.
The beef and buckwheat dish was interesting but not quite to my taste. The meat was well-seasoned but a bit dry, and the overall dish felt like it was missing a touch of sauce or moisture to bring everything together.
For drinks, we tried the homemade mors — a refreshing, slightly tart berry beverage that complemented the meal beautifully.
The decor adds to the experience — rustic wooden furniture, traditional textiles, and warm lighting make it feel genuinely homely. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the service was impressively quick.
Overall, a lovely spot to try authentic Eastern European comfort food in a cozy,...
Read moreChutnoff is a true hidden gem tucked away on a bustling street near I.P. Pavlova. Despite its unassuming exterior, the culinary delights found within are nothing short of exceptional. The atmosphere exudes authenticity, with a cozy and homey ambiance that immediately makes you feel welcome. It's the kind of place where you can relax and savor every bite. Now, let's talk about the food – it's the real star here. The traditional homemade pirohy, pelmeni, and vareniky are absolute must-tries. Each bite is bursting with flavor and nostalgia, reminiscent of homemade meals from days gone by. Personal favorites include the borscht, rich and hearty with just the right balance of flavors, and the crab salad, a refreshing and delightful starter that perfectly complements the main dishes. Overall, Restaurant Chutnoff offers an authentic dining experience that transports you to the heart of Eastern Europe. Whether you're craving comfort food or seeking out new culinary adventures, this place has something for everyone. Don't let its hidden location deter you – the food is truly worth seeking out. Highly...
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This place is absolutely disgusting. One of the pies that was listed on the menu as “with meat” was served with liver — even though they don’t have any liver pies on the menu at all. Every single pie was microwaved, creating the perfect mix of ice-cold filling and burning-hot crust.
The kitchen is a nightmare. I’m attaching a photo showing tiles literally falling off the ceiling with mold underneath. The cook spent his time scrolling on his phone instead of working. Then the manager walked in wearing a jacket and shook dirt from his filthy boots right onto the floor — where the “freshly baked” pastries were lying in the mess. The air vent looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
This is not just unhygienic — it’s a health hazard. If you want food poisoning, this is the...
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